Rhea Mae Wolfensberger

Rhea Mae Wolfensberger passed away on May 12th, 2026 at the age of 78. 

Rhea was born on October 25, 1947, in Rigby, Idaho, to Richard Rapp and Badah Summers Rapp. At a young age, she courageously battled polio, a challenge that helped shape the strength she carried throughout her life. As a child, she was also relentlessly tormented by her loving brothers, which became part of the humor and storytelling of her family. She attended Idaho Falls High School and later pursued training in dental assisting. During her younger years, she spent time living in Salt Lake City before returning to eastern Idaho. 

Rhea was employed as a records secretary at the Idaho Falls Temple and later worked for the Jefferson County Treasurer’s Office for 20 years. Rhea married Bill W. Wolfensberger on February 14, 1975, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Their love story began with a memorable start. Bill took her snowshoeing on their first date, which nearly ended the relationship before it began, but Rhea gave him a few more chances. When Bill proposed, it was over a dinner he had prepared himself, a deviled ham sandwich, while a western played on television. His proposal was simple: “So, do you want to get married?” Rhea, unimpressed with the delivery, told him she would think about it and made him wait two weeks for an answer. 

Together, Rhea and Bill built a life centered on faith and family. They welcomed Ryan on December 10, 1975, Rhett on December 18, 1980, and Natalie on December 16, 1985. Rhea loved four wheeling with her family. She tolerated the many car shows that came with being married to Bill, although secretly she looked forward to them because they almost always included a chance to shop at nearby boutiques. Rhea loved shopping, beautiful things, and the finer touches in life. Most of all, she loved shopping for and spoiling her grandchildren: Keegan, Kaylee, Aiden, Ethan, Caleb, Carter, Jaxon, Thain, Hailey, and Cody. She especially looked forward to summertime, when she could buy flowers and spend peaceful time enjoying her backyard pond. Outside of her family, one of Rhea’s greatest joys was driving her beloved red 2023 Dodge Challenger, Trudy. She took great pride in her car and enjoyed every opportunity to take it out on the road. 

Throughout her life, Rhea served in many capacities in her church. Later in life, she and Bill faithfully served together as temple workers in the Idaho Falls Temple. 

She is survived by her children, Ryan (Audrey) Wolfensberger, Rhett (Jessica) Wolfensberger, and Natalie (Jeff) Evans; and her beloved grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy W. Wolfensberger; her parents, Richard Rapp and Badah Summers Rapp; her brothers, Richard Rapp and Kerry Rapp; and her sister, Nancy. Rhea will be remembered for her strength, faith, humor, love for her family, and the stories that will continue to bring smiles for years to come.

Funeral Services will be Monday, May 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rigby East Stake Center (4021 E 300 N) with a viewing prior to the service from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery.